Cover Letter tips

1. Cover Letters
Presented by Langara Co-op & Career Development Centre

2. Basics
 Introduction to your resume
 In the letter you will point out the key qualifications you have,
express interest in the position, and ask for an opportunity to
go in for an interview
 Cover letter should be to the point, and not overly long

3. Why You Are Writing
 If you have been referred by a mutual contact, be sure to
mention his/her name up front
 If you are responding to a job posting, mention where you
saw the posting and the title of the position
 Express your enthusiasm and the likely match between your
credentials and the position’s qualifications
 Capture the reader’s attention

4. What You Have to Offer
 Refer specifically to the qualifications listed
 Illustrate how your particular abilities and experiences relate
to the position
 Express your potential to fulfill the employer’s needs rather
than focus on what the employer can offer you

5. What You Have to Offer Con’t
 Give evidence that you have researched the company
carefully
 Emphasize your achievements and problem solving skills
 Show how your education and work skills are transferable

6. Reasons Employers Give for not
Interviewing
They received a “form letter”
You addressed your letter to the wrong person, or called a
man “Ms” or a woman “Mr”
You included irrelevant material instead of answering the
ad
Your letter was too long to read – no time
You didn’t seem interested in this job with this company
Your letter was not signed
There were spelling and grammatical errors

7. How to Write the Letter
1. Use a standard business letter format
2. Include your contact information
3. Write the date
4. Include the company information

8. How to Write the Letter Con’t
5. 5. Address the Letter to someone specifically
6. 6. Write out your qualifications and accomplishments
as an answer to the job posting
7. Tell the reader how to reach you for an interview
8. Sign the letter